Between 1966 and 1969 he worked in the International Antarctic Meteorological Research Centre, under Henry Phillpot. During this time he investigated the meteorology of the high southern latitudes, particularly the radiation and thermal regimes, and published a number of papers on Antarctic meteorology.

Recently he submitted his MSc thesis on the radiation and heat budget of the southern hemisphere oceans to the University of Melbourne: "a massive piece of work", according to friends.

Beyond the pressures of work and part-time study, he found time to act as Bureau representative on the organising committee for the joint meteorological colloquia.

While in the US he expects to meet former workmates in the International Antarctic Meteorological Research Centre and also Central Training School lecturer Bill Downey, who is working for his MS degree.

John is no flamboyant Julius Sumner Miller—or absent-minded Professor. Quietly spoken, dedicated, and "meticulous to the Nth degree", he is, in unscientific idiom, a "real pro".

Bureau of Meteorology